Vented waterproof fabric



Jan. 11, 1966 D, R. TRQPE VENTED WATERPROOF FABRI C E. T. m mr@ M HUM A,www n D Filed April l2, 1962 Anni/anun United States Patent O 3,228,821VENTED WATERPROOF FABRIC Davida Ruth Tropa, 365 Norcroft Ave., LosAngeles, Calif. Filed Apr. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 137,126 14 Claims. (Cl.161-112) The present invention relates to waterproof fabri-cs, and moreparticularly to such fabrics which are provided with vents.

Waterproof fabrics are well-known in the prior art, and have been formedfrom rubber, waterproof plastics, waterproof resin-impregnatedmaterials, or other suitable waterproof materials. The waterproofmaterials employed, however, have presented a major 4disadvantage inuse, due to their lack of porosity, and consequent inability to breathe(i.e., to permit the free ow of gases therethrough). Such lack ofporosity has proved to be especially disadvantageous when the fabricformed has been used for raincoats or other wearing apparel. Discomfortto the wearer has then been commonly encountered, as has been mildewformation within the fabric.

In some instances, the known waterproof fabrics have been provided withvents in order to overcome the abovementioned disadvantages. The ventedwaterproof fabrics known in the prior art have, however, usually beenunduly heavy in weight. Furthermore, they have often been of quitecomplicated structure. A-lso, they have usually been comparativelycostly to produce. In addition, such known fabrics have presentedserious design limitations, in respect of possible variation in thearrangement of the vents in the fabric.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved vented waterproof fabric.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vented waterproof fabricof unusually light weight.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a ventedwaterproof fabric which is of comparatively simple structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vented waterproof fabricof unusally low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a ventedwaterproof fabric which is comparatively free from design limitations.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved vented wterproofwearing apparel.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description thereof, read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation, being somewhat diagrammatic, of a raincoatconstructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation of a portion of the raincoat ofFIG. l, being partly in section;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along the lines 3 3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating another embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan of a blank employable in constructing an insertmember in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan of an insert member formed from the blank of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the use of the insert memberof FIG, 6, in constructing fabric in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a View similar to FIG. 5, but of a blank of modified shape;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but of an insert member formed fromthe blank of FIG. 8; and

FIG. l0 is a View in perspective, being somewhat diagrammatic, of a tentconstructed in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. l, a raincoat 10 isshown, which is generally of conventional design, apart from theprovision therein of a plurality of vertically-extending andhorizontally-spaced-apart rows 12 (four being shown) of vent structures14 (see also FIG. 2). As best seen in FIG. 3, the raincoat 10 isconstructed of two similar adjacently-positioned sheets 16 and 18, whichserve as outer and inner fabric component sheets, respectively. Thesheets 16 and 18 are of conventional flexible waterproof materialsuitable for fabric use. Rubber, a flexible waterproof plastic or othersimilar material may be utilized. Plastic in calendered sheet form(e.g., of vinyl or polyethylene type) may be ernployed. Also employableare woven or knitted sheets (e.g., of cotton or wool), which have beenrendered waterproof by coating or impregnation thereof in conventionalmanner, with a plastic or other suitable material. Said sheets 16 and 18may be of any desired thickness, and may be secured together byconventional means (not shown), such as, eg., stitching.

A generally-horizontally-extending elongate incision, or slit 20 cutthrough the outer sheet 16 is provided at each vent structure 14. Eachof the latter includes a hollow, generally oblong vent cover 22, open atone end to form an orifice 21, as will be described more fullyhereinbelow. Each vent cover 22 is constructed of flexible waterproofsheet material of the same type as employed for the sheets 16 and 18,but being preferably of comparatively great thickness (eg, twice thethickness of either of the latter sheets). Each of the vent covers 22 isformed of a front wall 23, which is normally substantially flat, and twowings 24 and 25 rearwardly curving from the opposite sides of said frontwall 23, respectively. The wings 24 and 2S overlap, and are sealedtogether by a suitable glue to form a rear wall 26 which is spaced-apartfrom the front wall 23. The seal is preferably effected over all of theinterface between said wings 24 and 25. Sealing together of the wings 24and 25 in other conventional manner (e.g., by a heat seal as describedhereinbelow) may, alternatively, be effected.

Each vent cover 22 is of tapered form, including a comparatively slenderinner end portion 27 lying inserted through the associated slit 20 andbetween the sheets 16 and 18; and a comparatively broad lower or outerend portion 28 projecting from said slit 2t). It will be noted that atthe area of insertion of each of the inner end portions 27, anoutwardly-extending ap 29 is formed in the outer sheet 16. The inner endportion 27 of each vent cover 22 is sealed at the front wall 23 thereofto the adjacent flap 29, by a suitable glue. Sealing in otherconventional manner here, again, may, alternatively, be effected. As aresult of the manner of construction of the vent cover 22, the orifice21 is formed in the rear wall 26 and adjacent the distal end of theouter end portion 28, said orifice 21 being covered by the front wall23.

The outer sheet 16 is formed with a circular opening 30 therethrough,located a short distance below each of the slits 20. The inner sheet 18is likewise provided with a circular opening 32 registering with each ofthe openings 30. The rear wall 26 of each of the vent covers 22 isprovided with a circular opening 34, wihch registers with the adjacentregistering openings 30 and 32 in the sheets 16 and 18. It will be seenthat each set of registering openings 30, 32 and 34 is locatedintermediate the corresponding slit 20 and orifice 21. A circulargrommet 36, of conventional construction, is associated with each ventcover 22. Each grommet 36 may be of metal, a rigid light weight plastic(eg, nylon), or other similar material.

Each of the grommets 36 extends through the opening 34 in the rear wall26 of the associated vent cover 22, and also through the openings 36 and32 registering with said opening 34. Each grommet 36 in conventionalmanner seals together the associated rear wall 26 and the sheets 16 and18. Each grommet 36, in cooperation with the openings 30, 32 and 34, atthe same time provides a vent 37 for the raincoat 10.

As may be seen, the rear wall 26 of each vent cover 22 lies in agenerally vertical position when the raincoat is in use. Each front wall23 then assumes a position of downward and outward inclination from saidrear wall 26.

It will be obvious that air or other gas may pass through the orice 21of each vent cover 22 and into the outer end portion 28; and thencethrough the associated vent 37 to the interior of the raincoat 10. Gasesmay also, of course, pass in the reverse direction. At the same time,any water or other liquid which comes onto the outer sheet 16 of theraincoat 10 cannot enter any of the vents 37, due to the construction ofthe flaps 29 and the vent covers 22. Such liquid will merely be directeddownward over the flaps 29 and walls 23, and off the outer end portions28 of the vent covers 22.

As has been previously indicated, the thickness of the sheet material ofwhich each of the vent covers 22 is constructed is preferably greaterthan that of either of the sheets 16 and 18. The vent covers 22, as aresult, are comparatively rigid, and tend to maintain their shape asshown. As a consequence, the desired passage of gases therethrough isassured.

As a result of the multiple layers of material present in the area ofeach ap 29, and the comparatively great thickness of said layers ofmaterial as taken together, a ribbing effect is produced at each of saidflaps 29. Such ribbing effect serves to increase'the strength of thevent structures 14, and also has decorative value.

Referring to FIG. 4, a portion of vented waterproof fabric 10' is shown,being constructed of outer and inner fabric component sheets 16' and 18'of eXible waterproof material, corresponding respectively to the sheets16 and 18 of the raincoat 10. The waterproof material here employed isheat-scalable (being, eg., of plastic of the vinyl type). The fabric 10'includes a vent structure 14' similar to the vent structure 14 of FIGS.l-3. Thus, the outer sheet 16' is provided with a generallyhorizontally-extending slit 20. A hollow, generally oblong vent cover22' of heat-sealable flexible waterproof material and similar instructure to the vent cover 22 of FIGS. 1 3, lies inserted at its upperor inner end portion 27 through the slit 20'. The vent cover 22' at itslower or outer end portion 28' projects from said slit 20', providing anorifice 21'. The inner end portion 27' of the vent cover 22' is, at thefront wall 23', heat sealed to the adjacent flap 29', and thus fusedtogether therewith.

The rear wall 26 of the vent cover 22' is formed by overlapping wings24' and 25', which are fused together by a heat seal. The rear wall 26',and the sheets 16' and 18' are heat sealed together, as shown at 36'.The seal at 36' is located a short distance below the slit 20'. Circularopenings 30', 32 and 34' are formed in the sheets 16' and 18 and therear wall 26', respectively, at the seal 36'. Said openings 30', 32 and34 register with one another to form a vent 37'.

The vent structure 14' provides the same advantages in use as discussedabove in the case of the vent structure 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, airorother gas may freely pass in either direction through the orifice 21' ofthe vent cover 22', and through the vent 37'. However, water or otherliquid may not enter the vent 37',

Each of the vent covers 22 or 22' may be formed from a flat blank ofsuitable flexible waterproof sheet material, such as the circular blank38 shown in FIG. 5. The blank 38 has two opposite side portions 40 and42, which may be folded manually, or by conventional mechanical means,along a pair of fold lines 44 located therebetween and inclined towardone another, so as to form overlapping wings 24a and 25a, respectively(see FIG. 6). The overlapping wings 24a and 25a may then be sealedtogether by gluing (as illustrated in the case of the vent cover 22); byheat sealing (as illustrated in the case of the vent cover 22'); or inother conventional manner, so as to form a wall 26a. A hollow, generallyoblong insert member 22a, having a front wall 23a and said wall 26a as arear wall, is thus produced. Due to the inclination of the fold lines44, and the overlapped construction 0f the wings 24a and 25a, the insertmember 22a is tapered. Said insert member 22a thus has a slender endportion 27a, and a broad end portion 28a, the latter being formed at itsdistal end with an orifice 21a.

The member 22a is adapted for insertion through one of the slits 20 ofthe outer sheet 16 of the raincoat 10 of FIGS. 1-3, as illustrateddiagrammatically in FIG. 7. Following such insertion, the inner endportion 27a of the member 22a may be sealed at the front wall 23a to theadjacent flap 29 by gluing, or in other conventional manner. The frontwall 23a may then be lifted; and three registering openings (such as theopenings 30, 32 and 34 seen in FIG. 3) then formed in the rear wall 26aand the inner and outer sheet-s 16 and 18, respectively. A grommet, Suchas the grommet 36 seen in FIGS. 2-3, may then be inserted through saidregistering openings. A vent structure 14 will thus be produced. Thesteps here described for the production of the vent structure 14,employing the insert member 22a, may be accomplished manually, or byconventional mechanical means.

The insert member 22a, when formed of a suitable heatscalable material,is likewise adapted for insertion through .the slit 20' of the outersheet 16' of the fabric 10 of FIG. 4. Following such insertion (notillustrated), the inner end portion 27a may then be heat sealed at thefront wall 23a to the adjacent flap 29. Thereafter, the front wall 23amay be lifted; the rear wall 26a and sheets 16 and 18' fused together toform a seal, such as seen at 36' in FIG. 4; and openings 30', 32' and34' (such as seen in FIG. 4) then formed in the rear wall 26a and thesheets 16' and 18', respectively. Alternatively, the openings 30', 32and 34' may be formed prior to the sealing together at 36'. The vent 14'will thus be produced. Here, again, the production of the latter may beaccomplished manually, or by conventional mechanical means.

Referring to FIG. 8, a blank 46 of flexible waterproof material isshown, similar to the blank 38 of FIG. 5, but being rectangular inshape. The blank 46 has opposite side portions 48 and 50 which may befolded along fold lines 52 which are inclined toward one another, andintersect. Overlapping wings 24b and 2517 (see FIG. 9) are consequentlyformed. The latter, when sealed together in a manner such as describedabove, provide a wall 26b. A hollow, tapered insert member 22b is thusproduced, having said wall 26b as a rear wall; and having a triangularfront wall 23b. The broad end portion 28b of the insert member 22h, asmay be seen, is formed adjacent its distal end and at the rear wall 26bwith an orifice 2lb. The insert member 2211 may be used for vent coverpurposes in the same manner as the insert member 22a.

It will be realized that the vent cover 22 or 22' may be formed inaccordance with the procedure described above, from a blank of flexiblewaterproof sheet material which is of other shape than shown in FIG. 5or FIG. 8. The vent cover 22 or 22', furthermore, may be of any suitableshape, and produced by means other than here described. Also, the vent37 or 37' may be of any suitable shape other than shown.

Referring to FIG. 10, a tent 54 embodying the invention is shown. Thetent 54 is of convenitonal shape, and constructed of flexible waterproofsheet material, such as, e.g., canvas. The opposite side walls 56 of thetent 54 (only one being seen) are each composed of twoadjacently-positioned sheets (only the outer sheet 16x being seen). Eachof the walls 56 is provided with a plurality of rows 12x (three beingshown) of vent structures 14x, identical to the vent structures 14 ofthe raincoat 10 of FIGS. l-3; or to the vent structure 14 of the fabric1G of FIG. 4. If desired, each of the end walls 58 (only one being seen)of the tent 54 might also be provided with rows 12x of vent structures14x.

The tent 54 offers the same advantages in respect of waterproofing,accompanied by breathingi as described with regard to the raincoat 10and fabric 19.

In addition to its uses illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, it will be realizedthat the vented waterproof fabric of the invention may be employed formany other purposes in which waterproofing is required, and breathing ofthe waterproofing material is desired (e.g., for tarpaulins). It willalso be realized that as many or as few vent structures 14 or 14' asdesired may be utilized. Furthermore, the vent structures 14 and 14 maybe of any suitable size, and may be arranged in other patterns than asshown. For example, a circular pattern may be desired.

The fabric of the invention, it will be noted, provides adequatewaterproofing accompanied by venting; and at the same time, is ofunusually light weight and comparatively simple structure. Also, it maybe constructed at comparatively low cost. In addition, it provides anunusual degree of freedom from design limitations.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments thereof, it will be realized that various changes andmodifications may be made therein, without departing from the spirit ofthe invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is asfollows:

1. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingforme-d with an elongate incision, and a liexible waterproof vent coverof hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, saidvent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through saidincision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed atsaid front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer endportion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orificein said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portionof said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed withthree openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediatesaid incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, saidouter end portion and said sheets f being sealed together adjacent saidregistering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage ofgas between said oritice and said openings.

2. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 1, said sheetsand said vent cover being of plastic material.

3. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 1, said inner endportion being glued to said outer sheet.

4. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 1, said inner endportion being fused together with said outer sheet.

5. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of liexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision and an opening adjacent said incision,said inner sheet being formed with an opening registering with saidopening in said outer sheet, and a iiexible waterproof vent cover ofhollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, said ventcover having an inner end portion lying inserted through said incisionand between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at saidfront wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer endportion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orificein said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portionof said vent cover at said rear wall being formed with an openingregistering with said openings in said sheets, said registering openingsbeing located intermediate said incision and said orifice, said outerend portion and said sheets being sealed together adjacent saidregistering open ings, said vent cover `being adapted for the passage ofgas between said orifice and said openings.

6. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of fiexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision, and a flexible waterproof vent coverincluding a front wall and a rear wall, said vent cover having an innerend portion lying inserted through said incision and between saidsheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said front wall to saidouter sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portion projecting fromsaid incision and being formed with an orifice in said rear wall andcovered by said front wall, said outer end portion of said vent cover atsaid rear wall and said sheets being formed with three openings,respectively, said openings being located intermediate said incision andsaid orifice and registering one with the other, said rear wall and saidsheets being sealed together adjacent said registering openings, saidfront and rear walls of said vent cover being spaced-apart for thepassage of gas between said orifice and said openings.

7. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision, 4and a flexible waterproof vent coverof hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, saidvent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through saidincision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed atsaid front wall `to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outerend portion projecting from said incision and being formed with anorifice in said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer endportion of said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets beingformed with three openings, respectively, said openings being locatedintermediate said incision and said orifice and registering one with theother, and a grommet extending through said registering openings andsealing together said outer end portion and said sheets, said grommetbeing adapted for the passage of gas therethrough, said vent cover beingadapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and said grommet.

8. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 7, in which saidgrommet is of plastic material.

9. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision, and a tiexible waterproof vent coverof hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, saidvent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through saidincision and between said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed atsaid front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer endportion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orificein said rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portionof said vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed withthree openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediatesaid incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, saidouter end portion and said sheets being fused together adjacent saidregistering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage ofgas between said orifice and said openings.

10. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets or flexible waterproof material adapted .to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision, and a flexible waterproof vent coverof hollow formation, said vent cover including a front wall and curvedwings extending rearwardly from said front wall, said wings beingoverlapped and sealed together to form a rear wall, said vent coverhaving an inner end portion lying inserted through said incision andbetween said sheets, said inner end portion being sealed at said frontwall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having an outer end portionprojecting from said incision and being formed with an orice in `saidrear wall and covered by said front wall, said rear wall and said sheetsbeing formed with three openings, respectively, said openings beinglocated intermediate said incision and said orifice and registering onewith the other, said rear wall and said sheets being sealed togetheradjacent said registering openings, said vent cover being adapted forthe passage of gas between said orice and said openings.

11. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim 10, said wingsbeing glued together.

12. A vented waterproof fabric in accordance with claim'10, said wingsbeing fused together.

13. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of flexible waterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision, and a exible waterproof vent cover ofhollow formation, said vent cover including a front wall and a rearwall, said rear wall normally lying substantially parallel to saidsheets, said front wall normally lying outwardly-inclined from said rearWall, said vent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted throughsaid incision and between said sheets, said inner end portion beingsealed at said front wall to said outer sheet, said vent cover having anouter end portion projecting from said incision and being formed with anorifice in said rear wall and covered by said `front wall, said rearwall and said sheets being formed with three openings, respectively,said -openings being located intermediate said incision and said oriceand registering one with the 8. other, said rear wall and said sheetsbeing sealed'togethei` adjacent said registering openings, said ventcover being adapted for the passage of gas between said orifice and saidopenings.

14. A vented waterproof fabric, comprising two adjacently-positionedsheets of exible w-aterproof material adapted to serve as inner andouter fabric component sheets, respectively, said -outer sheet beingformed with an elongate incision, and a flexible waterproof vent coverof hollow formation and including a front wall and a rear wall, saidvent cover having an inner end portion lying inserted through saidincision and between said sheets, said outer -sheet being formed with aap adjacent said inner end portion, said inner end portion being sealedat said front wall to said flap, said vent cover having an outer endportion projecting from said incision and being formed with an orice insaid rear wall and covered by said front wall, said outer end portion ofsaid vent cover at said rear wall and said sheets being formed withthree openings, respectively, said openings being located intermediatesaid incision and said orifice and registering one with the other, saidouter end portion and said sheets being sealed together adjacent saidregistering openings, said vent cover being adapted for the passage ofgas between said orifice and said openings.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,024,135 4/1912Jacob 154-50 1,826,706 10/1931 Davis 154-51 XR 2,045,317 6/1936 Sobie154-46 2,466,911 4/1949 Raymond 154-46 2,697,832 12/1954 Stich 154-46 XR2,851,390 9/1958 Chavannes 154-50 XR ALEXADER WYMAN, Primary Examiner.

EARL M. BERGERT, Examiner.

1. A VENTED WATERPROOF FABRIC, COMPRISING TWO ADJACENTLY-POSITIONEDSHEETS OF FLEXIBLE WTERPROOF MATERIAL ADAPTED TO SERVE AS INNER ANDOUTER FABRIC COMPONENT SHEETS, REPSECTIVELY, SAID OUTER SHEET BEINGFORMED WITH AN ELONGATE INCISION, AND A FLEXIBLE WATERPROOF VENT COVEROF HOLLOW FORMATION AND INCLUDING A FRONT WALL AND A REAR WALL, SAIDVENT COVER HAVING AN INNER END PORTION LYING INSERTED THROUGH SAIDINCISION AND BETWEEN SAID SHEETS, SAID INNER END PORTION BEING SEALED ATSAID FRONT WALL TO SAID OUTER SHEET, SAID VENT COVER HAVING AN OUTER ENDPORTION PROJECTING FROM SAID INCISION AN BEING FORMED WITH AN ORIFICE INSAID REAR WALL AND COVERED BY SAID FRONT WALL, SAID OUTER END PORTION OFSAID VENT COVER AT SAID REAR WALL AND SAID SHEETS BEING FORMED WITHTHREE OPENINGS, RESPECTIVELY, SAID OPENINGS BEING LOCATED INTERMEDIATESAID INCISION AND SAID ORIFICE AND REGISTERING ONE WITH THE OTHER, SAIDOUTER END PORTION AND SAID SHEETS BEING SEALED TOGETHER ADJACENT SAIDREGISTERING OPENINGS, SAID VENT COVER BEING ADAPTED FOR THE PASSAGE OFGAS BETWEEN SAID ORIFICE AND SAID OPENINGS.